Aging is a natural process that affects everyone. It gives visible signs in the face of a person and shows strain on their skin too. Aging is also aided by other factors including stress and lifestyle changes both of which accelerate the signs of aging and make a person seem older than they actually are. This is why anti aging is one of the most popular branches of cosmetic medicine.

Most anti aging treatments focus on the wrinkles and fine lines (both the prominent signs of aging) and best dermatologists in india recommend thread lift as an effective anti agingtreatment to lift the sagging skin of the face. Thread lift is a non surgical procedure and is a non invasive alternate to the surgical lifting methods. There are temporary effects of anti agingthread liftskintreatment.

What is the use of PDO (Polydioxanone) in Cosmetic Surgery?

Polydioxanone (PDO) is a colourless, crystalline, biodegradable synthetic polymer. Biomedical applications of polydioxanone (PDO) are many including surgical sutures, orthopaedics, plastic surgery and cardiovascular applications. The polymer is degraded by hydrolysis and the remainder is excreted or exhaled. This makes polydioxanone (PDO) very famous in plastic surgery since most of the material is completely reabsorbed in 6 months.

What is a Facelift?

Since sagging skin and unwanted pouches of skin are really unwanted side effects of aging that are very prominently visible in the face, most cosmetic treatments focus on lifting this facial skin. Cosmetic treatments such as eyebrow lift etc. focus on surgically removing the excess fat and tightening the sagging skin, contouring the face and plumping the skin by stimulating collagen production.

But of late, there are many non surgical alternatives gaining popularity in the cosmetic treatment sector and a surgical facelift is not the only option for face contouring. Treatments including Botox and fillers are used to relax the facial muscles and plump them up to fight the effects of gravity and collagen degeneration – both signs of aging.

What are Thread Lifts?

Thread lifts is another popular type of non surgical cosmetic surgery. Also known as contour lift or suture lifts, thread lifts use threads or sutures made from materials that are used in surgery to close wounds. These threads are placed under the skin and are used to tighten the sagging or loose skin. Since holding up sagging skin is one of the best types of facelift, thread lifts are very popular among those who want to opt for the non surgical methods.

What is the Principle?

Threads work like suspension cables that hold up structures. The threads inside the facial skin are designed to hold up the skin in place. Sagging skin happens due to gravity and aging. And thread lift works against the aging effects and helps tighten the facial skin.

What is the concept?

Thread lifts to treat wrinkles and fine lines are famous as ‘lunchtime’ facial rejuvenation method. The procedure does not require any anaesthesia, hospitalisation or a long recovery downtime. The results of the procedure are visible immediately and can keep improving for months after the procedure. Thread lifting can be done in any part of the face and body even specific problem areas from the brow to the neck.

Limitations of Thread Lift procedure:-

Thread lifts cannot be used as an alternative to full face lift, since this is basically a non surgical procedure that does not have any option for removal of skin. Thread lifts are designed to merely hold up the sagging parts of the skin and are not advisable in case of excess pockets or loose fat pouches in the face. Thread lifts deal with sagging skin, wrinkles and fine lines that are of mild to medium level.

What is the procedure?

Thread lift uses sutures or thread that has cones or knots that will hold the lifted skin in place. These are made by absorbable material used in surgeries and have cones that stimulate collagen production and hold the thread in place. Based on the patient’s needs and type of threads, the procedure might vary. But the common principle is the insertion of threads under the skin to help lift the skin.

The skin is marked to find the points where the thread must be inserted. This includes the point of entry, directional vectors and exit point. There can be two types of thread – single directional or bidirectional and this affects the placement of the entry and exit points. A puncture wound can be created with a large gauge needle and a thread is inserted along the lines. The thread is then held up to hold the skin in a lifted position. Multiple threads are used to plump the cheeks and increase the volume. The area around the neck can be similarly treated.

Thread lifts work based on invisible threads under the face but sometimes can be felt if the fingers are run over the face in certain areas.

Dr. Rinky Kapoor is a renowned dermatologist currently practicing in Mumbai, India. Her specialities include non surgical facial skin rejuvenation, cosmetic dermatology and non surgical facelifts using radiofrequency and lasers. She has successfully performed many body contouring, toning and weight loss treatments and is a consultant cosmetologist in Mumbai, India.